Thu, 08/04/2021 - 09:00
For immediate release
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity, is delighted to announce the appointment of Sam Dixon as their new chief executive. Sam will join Jo’s in May 2021, replacing Robert Music who stepped down in January after leading the charity for twelve years.
Sam brings a wealth of experience to the role, having worked in the charity sector for twenty years. She joins Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust after spending seven years as the chief executive of Weston Park Cancer Charity, the regional cancer charity for the 1.8m people across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire. Following the takeover of two other local cancer charities, Weston Park Cancer Charity has grown into an organisation which supported 13,000 patients and carers last year. The charity delivers services including a helpline, bereavement support, health and wellness courses, via a team of nurses and other health and social care professionals.
Sam also brings her personal experience of cervical cell changes to her new role. She said: “In the 1990s I received treatment after my smear test showed I had cervical cell changes; back then there was no Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust to whom women like me could turn to for support and information. It is clear that Jo’s is well-loved and highly-regarded by those who work with, those who benefit from, and those who contribute to the success of the charity. I am immensely proud and privileged to have been invited to lead Jo’s, building on the excellent work of my predecessor, the volunteer and the staff team to enable the charity to be in the strongest position to fulfil its vision and mission over the coming years.”
Sam has worked at a wide range of charities including Barnardo’s, Age UK and the Prince’s Trust in a variety of fundraising, marketing and leadership roles. She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and is currently studying for a Masters in Voluntary Sector Management at Cass Business School.
Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, along with many other charities, experienced a difficult year last year with around 60% of income lost at the peak of the pandemic. Throughout, the charity saw a sustained high level of demand for support services, with March 2021 breaking records for submissions to their Ask the Expert service. Their current 5 year strategy comes to an end this year, so Sam joins at a dynamic and timely moment for the charity, as they launch new services and renew their focus on eliminating cervical cancer.
Clodagh Ward, Chair of Trustees said: “We are thrilled to have Sam join Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. After a challenging year, this is a critical time for us. We have no doubt that Sam’s enthusiasm, expertise and leadership skills will help us build to become even stronger than before, and drive us forward to achieving our goal of eradicating cervical cancer. The Trustees are all very much looking forward to working with Sam and to see Jo’s go from strength to strength.”
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Notes to editors
- Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust is the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity. Founded in 1999, we provide trustworthy information, campaign for change and provide support at every step. Cervical cancer can be devastating but we’re here to reduce the impact. We are here for everyone who needs us, for as long as they need us, but we won’t stop until the day that cervical cancer is no more.